The Better Way to Measure Blood Pressure

For a better look at your heart health, you may want to roll up both of your sleeves. A large difference between blood pressure measurements in each arm could signal ticker trouble down the road, finds new research from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

For the study, researchers collected data from more than 3,400 men and women who’d had their blood pressure taken in both arms and tracked their health outcomes over the next 13 years. The results: A difference in systolic blood pressure—the top number of the blood pressure reading—of 10 or more points was associated with an increased risk for higher cholesterol, higher overall blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The bigger the gap in readings, the higher the risk of heart issues.

How come? “Healthy people have identical blood pressure readings in both arms,” says study author Christopher O’Donnell, M.D., M.P.H. But a significant arm-to-arm difference could indicate stiffness in major arteries in the body, restricting blood flow to one arm versus the other—causing more serious problems down the road, he adds.

Although doctors don't usually measure blood pressure in both arms, you can easily ask your doc to do it, Dr. O’Donnell says. If you’re over 40, have risk factors for heart disease—i.e. high cholesterol and blood pressure—or you smoke, request a check in both arms at your next doctor's visit. “If a difference is found, you should have a thorough evaluation by a physician to identify and treat any abnormal issues,” he adds.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Men's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.